Galaxies

Sparkling

London.

I hurried out to the black Camero. Blade was already sitting on the hood, munching on a burger. I smiled. Her presence always improved my mood.

I then felt an arm around me.

"Hey, baby," Ryan whispered in my ear.
"Oh... Hey," I responded.
"Whatcha doing?"
"Having lunch with Blade."

I looked at her, and she looked at me with a slightly hurt expression. I mouthed "sorry" and tried to get away.

"Come with me," Ryan said.
"No."
"Why not?"
"I don't want to."
"Ok. Whatever."

He sounded pissed, and walked away. I turned and walked to Blade.

"Hey, sugar," she said, throwing my lunch at me.
"Hey. Where did you go last night?"

Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and something flashed in her eyes. Regret, maybe? Or shame. I couldn't tell.

"Uh... Just... Home. I overslept this morning."

She was lying. This was always her excuse. I could never believe her.

"Oh. Alright," I responded.

"So, I had an idea," she began.
"That's rare." I scoffed.
"Hey, shut up. Okay. We should have a picnic on the beach."

I laughed out loud.

"What's so funny?" Blade asked in bewilderment.
"Nothing," I responded with a giggle.
"Londoooon..."
"It's just... Why?"
"Cuz you're leaving. And I want to spend every moment possible with my... Best friend."

I sighed. She always hesitated before saying best friend. I never understood why.

"Sure. Sounds fun. What else are we gonna do, frolic through a field of flowers while singing Kumbiah?"
"No, but we could go to the arcade..."
"Sing Girl Scout songs around a fire?"
"Or the movies..."
"Snog behind a dumpster?"
"Look," she snapped, suddenly defensive, "If you don't want to, we don't have to. I was just sayin. It could be fun. God..." She sighed, and hung her head. I felt a bit bad for making fun of her. She was just trying to be nice.

"Alright. I would love to go have a picnic and hang out."

She perked up.

"Really?" She said with a look like a lost puppy that just found its owner.
"Yes."
"Yay!"

I giggled. She could be so cute sometimes. She thrust her arms out for a hug, and I embraced her closely. I smelled smoke and strange perfume. I waved it off.

"I love you," she whispered under her breath.
"Oh, uh... I love you too, sis," I said, pulling away.

She smiled, but it seemed a bit forced. I shoved a wad of fries in my mouth, and she giggled. Her laugh was so cute and light. It made me want to smile.

I looked at her eyes, which sparkled in the sunlight. I wondered if they had always done that. They were a rad red rimmed, but I figured it was just from being up late.

After eating, I hurried to my next classes, wondering what crazy things Blade had planned for our picnic.